Navigate Up
News Release Search
GO
UPMC/University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
For Journalists
Allison Hydzik & Cyndy McGrath
Managers
Telephone: 412-647-9975
Wendy Zellner
Director
Telephone: 412-586-9777
Other Inquiries
Contact Us
​



Pitt Investigation into Rare Blood Disorder Cluster Expands to Question Family Members

PITTSBURGH, May 2, 2012 - An investigation into a potential cluster of a rare and mysterious blood disorder in eastern Pennsylvania has led University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) scientists to expand their questioning to next-of-kin.
 
GSPH investigators will visit Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties to evaluate whether there is an abnormal incidence of a rare blood disorder that leads to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. This will be one of the last in a series of visits that started in 2009, so scientists are urging anyone who still needs to be interviewed to come forward.
 
“We need to talk to all residents or surviving family members who have been diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV) and related blood disorders known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs),” said Jeanine Buchanich, Ph.D., deputy director of epidemiology for GSPH’s Center for Occupational Biostatistics and Epidemiology. “While other studies have indicated a higher incidence of these disorders in this tri-county region, it’s important that we determine the true number of cases.”
 
PV is a rare illness that causes the body to produce too many red blood cells. The condition is uncomfortable and can cause hands to become red and hot. The primary treatment is regular phlebotomy, where blood is removed from the patient and discarded.
 
PV is believed to be caused by a genetic mutation. However, patients are not born with the mutation, leading scientists to believe that environmental exposure to benzene, petroleum products or radiation could be a factor. 
 
MPNs include blood disorders or blood cancers, such as essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
 
“If research indicates a cluster of PV or MPNs, then experts may be able to identify a common source,” said Buchanich.
 
The area is home to several brownfields, including a former waste coal-fired power plant identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a superfund site.
 
This research study is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and is scheduled to conclude in September 2012.
 
Investigators are looking to question people in the tri-county area who have been diagnosed with PV between 2006 and 2009, or with ET, PMF or CML between 2001 and 2009. They also would like to interview the families of deceased people who fit those qualifications.
 
Investigators and staff will be available at the following locations:
 
At the Pennsylvania Department of Health Center in Pottsville:
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 8
  • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 9

At the Pennsylvania Department of Health Center in Wilkes-Barre:

  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 9

At Hazelton General Hospital, Business &Education Building, Library Room, first floor:

  • 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 8
  • 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 9
  • 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, May 10

Study participants may be compensated for their time.

©  UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

© UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com